APLU Statement on Proposed Changes to Optional Practical Training

Washington, DC – Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) President Waded Cruzado today issued the following statement on proposed changes to the Optional Practical Training program.

“The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s proposed changes to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) Program would substantially set back the national interest if promulgated. The U.S. is the strongest magnet for the world’s top talent, drawing the brightest minds from across the globe to learn and train in the U.S. OPT is a key draw for international students who can study at the world’s best universities and temporarily leverage their talents receiving training in their field of study after graduating. While the program undoubtedly benefits international students, it also has enormous benefits for the nation. International students contribute $43 billion to the U.S. economy. Such contributions are already under strain, with international student enrollments in decline.

“The proposed changes outlined today would severely weaken the OPT program and the nation’s human capital pipeline at a moment when global competitors are fiercely challenging U.S. economic leadership. Instead of OPT serving as a magnet to draw the brightest international minds to the U.S., this proposal would instead incentivize these students to study, work, and boost the economies of other countries. In one proposal, relative to H-1B fees, DHS exempts universities from an exorbitant fee recognizing their inability to absorb such costs. Yet in this proposal, a similar fee is applied exclusively to universities.

“While APLU will provide formal comments to the proposed changes to OPT, we urge the Department of Homeland Security to reconsider this deeply flawed proposal.”